Every industry in the world has some safety risks involved. Yes, even investment bankers face risks––mostly from clients where the investment strategy didn’t go as planned. Obviously, some industries have more risks than others, such as scrap metal recycling and the brave individuals who wash the windows on skyscrapers. We’re going to focus on the safety risks for scrap metal workers since the window washers need no explanation. Read on to learn more.
Physical injuries
Strains caused by hyperextension and repetitive movements are the most common injury scrap metal workers face. While a strain is something you can recover from, strains can become more serious over the years of wear and tear we put on our bodies. Scrap metal can range from small items like nuts and bolts to sheet metal and beyond. Most scrap metal recycling facilities are handling large items like sheet metal, which can have rigid and sharp edges, leading to cuts and lacerations. Another potential risk comes from all the heavy machinery involved in metal recycling. Whether you’re working in a scrap yard or facility, there are skid steers, granulators, and cranes to be aware of. All of this machinery can cause various accidents and injuries if the operator isn’t careful.
Health hazards
While the physical possibilities are slightly more predictable, there are a few health hazards that scrap metal workers don’t realize they’re facing. One of the most serious hazards involves handling radioactive materials. There are a few things scrap metal workers should know about radioactive materials because radiation can pose serious dangers. Additionally, a lot of metal recycling and sorting takes place outside, which can result in materials getting extremely hot from the sun. Metal at high temperatures can pose substantial burn hazards for employees handling materials. Furthermore, working outside for long hours can result in heat exhaustion, dehydration, and respiratory complications from dust and debris.
As you can see, scrap metal workers experience serious safety risks. Although even with the risks, we can agree on one positive: at least you’re not that investment banker we mentioned before.
